The wagering public had confidence that Marianna Monaco would win the $5,000 NAADA Trot at Monticello Raceway on Thursday afternoon (Nov. 5) so much so, that they sent her trotter, Hot Summer Knight, away as the 2-5 favourite. And she didn't let them down.
It took a strong stretch drive and a :29.2 final quarter, but she hustled the veteran Justice Hall gelding to a come-from-behind triumph over the pace setter, Ladys Big Stormont (who was driven by Alan Schwartz), for a head victory in a 2:00 clocking.
When the wings of the mobile gate folded, Schwartz gunned Ladys Big Stormont to the lead from the three-hole while Monaco floated away in second position from the two-hole. The duo remained 'one-two' through the first stanza in :29.4. With no one challenging, Schwartz tapped the breaks -- albeit lightly -- and he led his competition by the halfway point in 1:00.1.
Despite a few starters being on the limb as leaders trotted by the half, it appeared that the race would be decided between Schwartz and Monaco... and it was.
Ladys Big Stormont got first call by the three quarters, but he was being stalked by the odds-on favourite Hot Summer Knight. And when they rounded the final turn and headed for home, Schwartz's charge was strong on the lead, but Monaco's trotter was a bit stronger, and Hot Summer Knight rallied in the final strides for a head victory. Noble Warrawee finished third for Mike Polansky.
The victory was the fourth seasonal driving win for the former 'Gamecock' (she's a graduate of University of South Carolina) who had been a pupil of Richie La Cava.
Hot Summer Knight is owned by Lynette Buter and trained by Todd Buter. He paid $2.70 for win.
The series will continue next Thursday at Yonkers Raceway.
(NAADA)